The Warmth

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Lita and Trish were laughing as they made their way backstage, the two divas holding hands.

The little blonde was practically jumping up and down with glee.

"That was awesome!" she exclaimed, releasing her friend's hand and clapping her own together. "We sure taught Eric a lesson!"

The redhead grinned, nodding.

"I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed that." She turned her head, looking up at the sound of the voice that had just issued her name. Just beyond, Edge and Jeff were rushing toward them in the hallway.

Trish giggled again, throwing her arms around the colorful-haired young man, covering his clothing with mud in the process.

"Oops... God, Jeff, I'm sorry!"

Lita had just about forgotten that she and the blonde were only in their bras and panties - until the tall blond man's gaze was suddenly sweeping over her from head-to-toe and back up again.

The redhead blushed and shoved some strands of her long hair behind her ears. Meanwhile, Edge reluctantly tore his eyes from her curvy body. Given his feelings for the high-flying diva, that was no easy task.

"Way to go, ladies," the Canadian said, a small smile gracing his lips. His fond gaze was still exclusively on Lita, though now focused on her eyes.

Trish grinned up Jeff, still in his arms, as the young man seemed reluctant to release her despite the mud mishap. Not that the little blonde diva minded.

"Actually," the redhead said softly, "I'm a little worried all of a sudden."

"Why?" The question came from the petite Canadian, who looked over her shoulder at her. A tiny pout crossed her face. It seemed as though everyone else always wanted to rain on her happy parade.

"After what just happened, Bischoff is going to be even more hell-bent on destroying us," Lita went on. "But I'm not worried about us so much as I am about you guys..." Her intense hazel gaze traveled back to Edge, fixing on his brilliant green eyes.

The tall blond man cocked his head to one side, noting the look of extreme concern in the diva's eyes. Gently, he reached out and tenderly placed a hand against her cheek.

"We'll be okay, Lita - I promise. I'm a lot more concerned with you... Let Bischoff throw everything but the kitchen sink at me if he likes," Edge said. "But I'll be damned if I let him do anything more to hurt *you*."

Again, the redheaded diva forgot that she was standing here in the arena hallway wearing only her undergarments. The Canadian's hand on her cheek felt so tender, and he rubbed his thumb softly over her skin. Intense emotions swept through Lita as she kept up the steady eye contact with Edge. Damn it, she didn't want to see him have to compete in a Street Fight against Chief Morley. She wouldn't put it past Bischoff to stack the odds against the blond man after the way she and Trish had just humiliated him.

Reluctantly, the Canadian removed his hand from the diva's face.

"You'd better go to the locker room and get showered and dressed," he said. "My match and Jeff's are coming up very soon."

The redhead nodded, managing to tear her gaze from him to Trish and the younger Hardy.

"You be careful out there, Jeffrey..."

Lita cast one last gaze at Edge, butterflies in her stomach, before she and the other diva left.





Part 23

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